Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Donations reach $100k after thieves steal Humane Society van

“A lot of people are feeling quite inspired by the amount of public support”: Hannah Sotropa, Toronto Humane Society

Images from Toronto Humane Society video of two men wanted in a theft.
Images from Toronto Humane Society video of two men wanted in a theft. Photo by Supplied /Toronto Humane Society

Days after losing its pet-rescue van and equipment to theft, the Toronto Humane Society has been flooded with more than $100,000 dollars in donations following an appeal for support.

“A lot of people are feeling quite inspired by the amount of public support and outreach that we’ve gotten,” THS spokesperson Hannah Sotropa said Thursday. “There’s definitely a general sense of hope right now in terms of how when this community really does come together – it’s incredible what they’re capable of.”

As the Canadian national soccer teams head to their respective FIFA World Cups, Derek Van Diest is on the scene to cover all the action. Expect expert insights and analysis in your inbox daily throughout the tournaments, and weekly on Thursdays for the rest of the season.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

The humane society is using a rental van temporarily until it can replace its lost vehicle.

The van is regularly used to by THS as a life-saving tool to transport animals to and from the shelter, and to help regional animal shelters cope with any influx they experience.

The theft happened Monday when two men broke into the back door of their underground garage at their headquarters near Queen St. E. and River St.

THS released some surveillance video showing the moments before the van is driven out of the garage.

The Toronto Humane Society is quite upset and heart broken after thieves broke into their underground parking complex and stole their rescue van around 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 (Pictured) Surveillance cam footage of the potential two suspects who broke in and the van leaving the underground garage. on Wednesday November 30, 2022. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network
The Toronto Humane Society is quite upset and heart broken after thieves broke into their underground parking complex and stole their rescue van around 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 (Pictured) Surveillance cam footage of the potential two suspects who broke in and the van leaving the underground garage. on Wednesday November 30, 2022. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network

Two men, whose images were also released by THS, apparently entered the building using a pry bar at about 11:11 p.m.

The men remained in the underground garage collecting property for about five-and-a-half hours – until 4:44 a.m. – before driving away.

They also broke into a locked room where the keys to the van were kept.

Other property stolen included a shop-vac, an industrial power washer and walkie-talkies.

The Toronto Humane Society is quite upset and heart broken after thieves broke into their underground parking complex and stole their rescue van around 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 (Pictured) The THS is now using a rental van, parked at the rear to the facility – as their rescue truck, until they can get a new one. on Wednesday November 30, 2022. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network
The Toronto Humane Society is quite upset and heart broken after thieves broke into their underground parking complex and stole their rescue van around 11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 (Pictured) The THS is now using a rental van, parked at the rear to the facility – as their rescue truck, until they can get a new one. on Wednesday November 30, 2022. Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network

Toronto Police are investigating the theft.

Officers spent part of Tuesday at the building conducting their investigation.

“While it was a devastating event and there’s still emotions that come up when we think of the anger that we all felt reviewing that (video) footage,” said Sotropa, “the sense of hope still remains that there are kind, wonderful people out there.”

This year, up until September, THS has organized 1,387 adoptions of small domestics pets, cats, and dogs.

The van sometimes plays a pivotal role in transporting rescued animals slated for adoption.

In the past few days, the organization said it has made improvements to building security.

Anyone wishing to support the Humane Society can do so at www.torontohumanesociety.com/breakin.

slaurie@postmedia.com

Twitter: @_ScottLaurie